Players join pupils on Sony tour

By Ospreys Rugby | 04/07/2013

SONY UK Technology Centre hosted pupils from Blaengwrach Primary School in Neath recently as part of the Ospreys Schools Programme.

The children were met at Sony by Ospreys players Rhys Webb and Sam Williams, accompanied by Keith Collins the Ospreys Schools Coordinator.

An innovative scheme launched last year and aimed at Key Stage 2 students in the ‘Ospreylia’ area, the Schools Programme sees participating primary school pupils put through a weekly educational programme that has been developed with education departments at the three unitary authorities in the region to ensure it satisfies National Curriculum objectives and assists in the development of key skills.

Part of the programme offers them the opportunity to visit the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium, and for some to visit SONY UK Technology centre in Pencoed. This gives an opportunity to experience different working environments in the local community. They record the experience in workbooks during there visits.

Tony Jones, Manager of Training Development at Sony UK Technology Centre gave a short presentation to the children on SONY history, products and safety. The children were asked what they would like to be when they grow up, to which some answers included an accountant, a jockey and a soldier!

The visit then moved back to the Reception area where Blaengwrach pupils interviewed the Ospreys players using SONY professional cameras and recording equipment. The children asked questions regarding the players’ motivation, other commitments such as charity involvement and the business aspect of being a part of a successful rugby team. Rhys, Sam and Keith answered all questions in detail and then also took time out of their busy schedules to accompany Blaengwrach on their factory tour.

Blaengwrach Pupils and the Ospreys players were then guided on a tour of the SONY Pencoed factory which included the Team Players wall, The Values and Beliefs corridor, where we discussed the importance of working as a team both in work and in rugby. Then onto the Camera Manufacturing area, where the children were met by Mark Wells, Senior Engineer who discussed the technology that we create here in Pencoed before moving onto the 4K Cinema room to experience the quality of some SONY products first hand.

The children watched a couple of short films on our 4k cinema projector and then experienced other exciting technology such as using a green screen, professional cameras and PS3. At the end of the visit, Blaengwrach pupils were again asked what they want to be when they grow up, with a number of children replying that they would like to work for SONY!